Cave Creek Museum, which is managed by a strong core of volunteers, has named the top three Volunteers of the Year. The trio was chosen by their volunteer peers.
The three winners who were chosen are:
- Debbie Clement and Audra Botwin
Debbie Clement and Audra Botwin received the award for their amazing work as education chairs. The duo used their many years of experience as schoolteacher and librarian to create a series of Kiwanis Family Fun Day programs that was entertaining, interactive and educational for a record-breaking 250+ children. Also record-breaking were the weekly and sometimes bi-weekly visits from local schools and homeschoolers, thanks to their dedicated outreach to teachers and parents. The pair touched more than 400-500 students’ lives this year and opened their eyes to the wonders of history.
“What I love about being a volunteer at the museum is working with the kids because they are so open to learning,” says Botwin. “They are always so interested and inquisitive. I love observing their little minds wanting to learn. Also, I have made some life-long friends here and we all have a lot of fun together.”
Clement echoes her sentiment.
“I like working with the museum’s docents,” says Clement. “Our volunteers are from so many different walks of life. I learn so much from them, including their different perspectives and thought processes. It is fascinating to me and makes volunteering worth it all. As far as education goes, as a former teacher, it is so cool when kids visit the museum and start to make connections with what they are learning in school. The museum is a great place to volunteer.”
- Mark Kelbley
Dream Team member Mark Kelbley was named Volunteer of the Year for his astounding work in restoring the historic gazebo. Not only did he bring it back to life, he jazzed it up with cool colored lighting at night and added a ceiling fan. Kelbley also was essential in repairing water damage that occurred on the east side of the museum that included restoring and replacing damaged wood and drywall. In addition, he created to foundation of The Schoolhouse exhibit using his woodworking skills. He also installed new steps leading down from the LDS parking lot to the museum
“These volunteers have shown great initiative, perspective, foresight and love for the museum’s history and involvement in the community,” says Evelyn Johnson, the museum’s executive director. “It has been a pleasure to witness their great accomplishments during the year and we look forward to their work for 2024-25 season.”
The 54-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research and interpretive exhibits. The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek, Ariz. Open October through May. The museum can be reached at 480.488.2764 or cavecreekmuseum.org. Where History Comes Alive.
— Photos courtesy Fran Booth, ABC
